Ontario Society of Artists

[5] The OSA, in its early years, had a major effect on the development of art in Ontario, if not in Canada.

Its annual shows were reviewed regularly by major Toronto newspapers and the development of its artists and their work was followed in detail.

For instance, the Evening Telegram in Toronto, in May 1880, reported with pride that the oils in the annual show displayed a "most marked and gratifying progress".

[6] However, with the appearance of other organizations, such as the Canadian Art Club in 1907, and particularly the Group of Seven in 1920, as well as the development of public and private galleries, its annual shows began to receive less attention.

Still, the OSA's annual shows, from first to last, provided a place where artists could sell their work and socialize.

The Mechanics Institute provided basic classes in technical subjects but art instruction was limited to private lessons in the homes or studios of established artists.

The grant allowed renovation of leased premises at 14 King Street West to create art school classrooms with the balance used as gallery space.

[13] Although the school continued to flourish, its financial situation was uncertain because the Society could not secure long-term funding from the government.

The teachers are hampered and the teaching impaired by injudicious arrangements and restrictions, and finding every attempt at improvement thwarted by the representative of the Government on the board, or through his influence, I decline to be held responsible for the injury to the school which has accrued and must continue to accrue from such a course.

[15] Early member records and artifacts of the Society are held by the Province of Ontario Archives.